The Delhi High Court recently questioned Tihar jail officials regarding their failure to prevent the killing of gangster Tillu Tajpuria, who was attacked by a rival gang inside the high-security prison while security staff watched the incident unfold on CCTV cameras.

The court expressed concern over the delay in responding to the attack and raised questions about the absence of walkie talkies for communication among security personnel within the prison premises.

Justice Jasmeet Singh, presiding over the case, expressed his dismay at the situation and questioned the distance between the jail and the surveillance area. The court was hearing a petition filed by Tajpuria's father and brother, who sought a CBI investigation into the murder that occurred on May 2. The state's counsel assured the court that the inmates involved in the incident had been arrested, and if outsiders were found to be involved, action would be taken against them as well.

However, the court remained unconvinced and inquired why the authorities had to wait for an incident to happen before taking action. It emphasized that the reaction should be proportionate to the offense and criticized the lack of walkie talkies for immediate communication between surveillance personnel and those responsible for maintaining security within the jail. The state's counsel acknowledged the need for improvements and expressed their commitment to changing the system.

The court also mentioned the recovery of knives from the jail premises during surprise checks and highlighted the potential threats within the high-security prison. The counsel representing the petitioners pointed out that Tajpuria had expressed concerns about his safety, and orders were passed by a trial court to ensure his protection. The court had previously viewed a CCTV video showing Tajpuria being dragged out of his cell and stabbed to death while security personnel allegedly stood by without intervening.

Tajpuria, associated with the Jitendar Gogi gang, was assaulted with improvised weapons by four members of the rival gang inside the prison. Gogi himself was allegedly shot dead at Rohini court in 2021 on Tajpuria's command. The ongoing feud between the two gangs has resulted in multiple casualties over the years.

Following the incident, seven personnel of the Tamil Nadu Special Police (TNSP), who were on duty at the time of the attack, have been suspended according to jail officials. The court continues to press the prison authorities for explanations and has expressed concern over the overall state of affairs within the jail.